Scabies

Scabies is a skin condition caused by an infestation of the human itch mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. These microscopic mites burrow into the skin and cause symptoms of itching and rash.

Anyone can get scabies. It is found all over the world and the mite is transmitted by direct and prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies. Sexual contact is the most common way scabies is transmitted. Transmission can also happen from parents to children, particularly mother-to-infant. The mite can only survive about 48 to 72 hours without human contact, so it is uncommon, though possible, for scabies to spread through infested bedding or furniture. Scabies mites can only live about 72 hours without human contact, but once on a person, the mites can live up to two months. Mites survive longer in colder conditions with higher humidity. Once on a person, mites can burrow into the skin, and symptoms usually begin three to six weeks after infestation.

Symptoms of scabies are usually itching (which tends to be more intense at night), and a pimple-like rash. Scabies rash can appear on any part of the body, but the most common sites are wrists, elbows, armpits, the skin between the fingers and toes and around the nails, and skin usually covered by clothing such as the buttocks, belt line, nipples, and penis. Infants and young children may have scabies rash on their head, face, neck, palms, and soles.

In some patients with weakened immune systems, scabies rash may become crusted.